By Yunus S. Saliu
During his routine site visit to ongoing road projects across the country on Monday, January 27, 2025, the Minister of Transport, Works, and Infrastructure (MOTWI), Honourable Ebrima Sillah, confirmed that the 102km Kabada Road Project in the Lower River Region (LRR) will significantly boost the economic development of local communities. The project, which is contracted to Long Jin Construction, a Chinese firm, is expected to create new opportunities and enhance trade relations between The Gambia and neighboring Senegal.
Talking to the members of press at the site during the tour, Honourable Sillah emphasized the strategic importance of these roads: “These roads will bring enormous economic development for the people of this country and for the people of these communities, as they are directly connected to key commercial routes.” He added that the roads would improve access from the main highway to communities deep within the Kabada region, facilitating trade for local businesses, including Lumo traders who rely on the corridor linking The Gambia and Cassamance.
Describing the project as a “strategic move” by the government, Minister Sillah highlighted the potential for enhancing business opportunities in the region. “This will strengthen the trade relationship between The Gambia and Senegal, creating new economic opportunities for local communities,” he stated.
The Kabada Road Project, part of the broader Lot 3 and Lot 4 initiatives in the Lower River and West Coast Regions, will be developed in three phases. Phase 1 covers critical links such as Kwinella to Wellingara, Tabanani, Madina, and other communities. Phase 2 will connect communities like Sare Sajo, Nioro, and Sare Samba, while Phase 3 will extend to areas like Missira, Senoba Jonki, and Buiba Mandika. The contractor is actively working on all three phases, which also include essential hydraulic structures such as Irish crossings and culverts.
In addition to these roadworks, Minister Sillah noted the ongoing efforts to address other infrastructural needs in the region, including the installation of electricity poles, the construction of new roads, agricultural initiatives, and improvements in water access for livestock. He underscored that these projects reflect a broader commitment by the government to address long-neglected regions of The Gambia.
“For the first time in the history of this great country, we have a government that is investing time, resources, and energy into the welfare of communities that have been underserved since independence,” said Sillah.
He, therefore, expressed optimism that the contractors would meet deadlines and deliver on the promise of economic growth and infrastructure development for these communities.